Delta takes off with 19,000 iPhone 12s for its flight crews

Apple reaches 19,000 in-flight iPhone deal with Delta.

U.S. airline Delta will become the first 5G-equipped global airline later this summer when it replaces its entire fleet of 19,000 flight attendant devices with iPhone 12.

In-flight AR and more

Delta says it thinks the devices will help make flight attendants jobs easier and pave the way for better customer interactions as the airline looks to leverage the technology.

The airline mentions two particular usage cases, but will likely extend to support for vaccination documentationat some point:

Training: With policies frequently shifting due to the pandemic, flight attendant training and information is more critical than ever. With AT&T 5G on the ground and iPhone 12 in-hand, flight attendants will have increasing access to immersive training including videos, photos and AR.

Catering: A paper-based process today, flight attendants will soon have up to the minute digital catering inventory and be able to quickly locate items without opening a single door, using the camera on iPhone 12 and AR to visualize where items are stowed.

Delta will continue work with AT&T and Apple to develop new use cases and applications that will help Delta continue to set new standards for service.

Kind of a new dimension on lost keys for inter-continental flight crew

What Delta said

“Our flight attendants are the finest professionals taking to the skies day in and day out, so when we were looking for outstanding products that meet the Delta standard, Apple and AT&T were top of mind,” said Allison Ausband, S.V.P. – In-Flight Service. “This relationship is a step toward the future of a more connected and human onboard experience.”

“Our visionary collaboration with Delta Air Lines is proof that connectivity is more than just a means to an end.  We are thrilled to work with Delta to empower their employees and create new 5G-enabled experiences on iPhone 12 to fuel and invigorate the commercial airline industry for years to come,” said Rasesh Patel, Chief Product & Platform Officer, AT&T Business.

In the bigger picture, 48 of the top 50 global airlines use iPads in the cockpit to replace electronic flight bags (EFB), while over 70% are using Apple devices for cabin crew, and many also use them for ground and maintenance crews. In 2020 Apple reached a deal with American Airlines so passengers can watch Apple TV+ shows in flight.

This is just the latest in a rapid series of major Apple deployments announced globally.

In Scotland, the city of Edinburgh recently confirmed plans to give 40,000 iPads to students; also in the UK, the DHSS is deploying 11,000 iPads. These huge deployments are creating a large opportunity for enterprise-focused firms, with Orange Business Services recently becoming an Apple Authorized Enterprise Reseller. Apple’s sales in consumer and enterprise markets continue to soar.

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